The Sign of Jonas

by Thomas Merton

The Pharisees had so hardened their hearts that when the Messiah came they accused Him of “having a devil.” They who were the custodians of the Law and the interpreters of the Word of God crucified the Word of God in the name of His own Law. It was the ones who had most thoroughly searched the Scriptures who were unable to recognize Him whom the Scriptures promised. And it happened that the twenty-eighth chapter of Deuteronomy was read in the refectory today. I wonder when I ever heard anything so moving as those curses, in the light of today’s Office. “But if thou dost refuse to listen to Him . . .” Hodie si vocem ejus audieritis! And yet the Scribes and Pharisees, and the Doctors of the Law, thought they were listening. Perhaps the one thing that made it impossible for them to hear the voice of God when He spoke to them, was their conviction that they were the only ones capable of hearing it!